Danny Coats of HydroScapes practices his drives prior to the 32nd Annual CLIC/CLASS Fund Golf Tournament, held at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. on June 9.

Playing golf with some buddies and industry associates is always enjoyable. But when it benefits the future of the green industry as a whole that's doubly beneficial. On June 9 there were 152 golfers who participated in the 32nd Annual CLIC/CLASS Fund Golf Tournament, held at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. According to Andy Bowen, a director of CLASS Fund, the tournament helped to raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships.

"This organization helps to support colleges for both the design and construction management part of the
business throughout the state," said Mike Spaulding, a licensed landscape architect of J & M Concrete Contractors. "My goals are to hook up with some people I haven't seen for a while, play some good golf and hopefully win a few raffles."

Tony Ortiz, an outside sales representative for Imperial Sprinkler Supply, has been playing in the tournament for the past five years. The event at this venue was something he looked forward to playing, along with the opportunity to encourage his foursome teammates in the scramble format.

"Having a chance to play golf in this tournament is better than any day at work," said Ortiz. "For our vice president and sales manager to come out here, I know it's a high priority for my company.

Danny Coats, general sales manager of HydroScapes, has also played in the tournament the past five years, although the company has participated for many more years than that.

"I enjoy the quality of participants as it's a good mix of contractors, designers and landscape architects," said Coats. "This is also a great golf course. Our goals as a team are to make 49, last year's winning score, which was absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully I can help out my team with my short game, which is money right now."

Founded in 1980, members of CLASS Fund have given over $405,000 in scholarships, internships and research grants to more than 300 recipients studying landscape architecture, horticulture, irrigation and other industry-related curriculums. For more information go to www.classfund.org.